Regular checkups at an Eye Care Center in St Paul MN is important not only if you think you may need glasses or contacts, but also to keep up with your health in general. There are many diseases that can start or affect the eyes, which a certified optometrist or ophthalmologist can detect. Besides non-serious signs that your eyesight may be weakening or changing, going to the eye doctor every one or two years can be beneficial to your overall health.
Check for Eye Diseases
Even without warning signs, you could be suffering from or prone to an eye disease such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, or retinal disease. By getting an annual eye exam, you could be preventing future vision loss caused by these and other diseases. Your eye doctor will be trained to spot these warning signs before they become harmful.
Prevent Vision Loss
You may think your eyesight is just fine, even if you have to squint a little to see things far away or up close. But without corrective lenses, you could be putting more damage on your eyes than you think. During an eye exam you will be tested on your ability to see things from a distance or close up. You will also be examined for eye muscle imbalance and vision disorders like astigmatism that also affect your eyesight.
Other Eye Conditions
Conditions like amblyopia and strabismus affect the vision and make it harder for your eyes to work together to adjust and focus. Amblyopia occurs when eyes have two very different prescriptions. With corrective lenses, you will be able to see much better without symptoms like headaches or eye pain from trying to focus. Strabismus is a condition that crosses the eyes throwing off your depth perception. At an eye exam your eyes will be tested for correct alignment and your doctor will be able to correct it accordingly.
Your local eye care cenrer in St Paul MN will be able to help you by doing a regular eye exam, check for any diseases, get you fitted for eyeglasses or contacts, and even educate you on any questions you may have regarding your eyes. If you think you may need a consultation right away, call the optometrist for clinic hours and they will help you make an appointment.